What's the deal with the reported Joss Whedon 'Batgirl' movie?

A movie match made in heaven?(Photo: Jim Spellman, WireImage/DC Comics)

Move over Buffy and Black Widow. You may have some competition from Batgirl.

Last week, Variety reported that Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayerand director of two Avengers movies for Marvel, was "nearing a deal" to direct a solo Batgirl film for DC and Warner Bros. The report sent fans into a tizzy on Twitter and has already spawned casting rumors and comments from Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins.

So what's the deal? Neither Whedon nor the studio has confirmed that the movie will happen, but that hasn't stopped the speculation from fans and the media. Here's everything you should know about the potential project.

What might a Batgirl movie look like?

The film would be a first for the character, so if you're not into the comics themselves, you may only be familiar with Yvonne Craig's appearance as Batgirl in the campy 1960s Batman TV series. But she's so much more.

Many women have worn her cowl, but for most fans, Batgirl is Barbara Gordon, daughter of Gotham City police chief Jim Gordon. Barbara is one of the most popular DC Comics characters right now, especially with the recent "Batgirl of Burnside" run, where Barbara is a teen and prodigious with social media, living in a hip Gotham neighborhood. The comics have an upbeat vibe and an exciting cast of characters, including heroes like Nightwing, Black Canary and Huntress. The teenagers, the team aspect and the hip vibe would gel with Whedon's Buffy aesthetic.

Though the Burnside run is the most recent, Entertainment Weekly reports that the film will be based on the "New 52" version of the character. New 52 refers to DC's re-launch of their characters in the comics in 2011. This version finds Batgirl years after an attack by the Joker that left her paralyzed. She regains her mobility through experimental surgery, but she's haunted by a near-death experience. That would be a much darker take on the character, which might fit in with the other existing DC films like Batman v Superman.

Regardless of which particular version, Barbara is always incredibly smart, self-sufficient and independent.

Who might play her?

Because the project is not official, all casting projection is speculation. But that hasn't stopped people. EW has suggested Hailee Steinfeld or Riverdale star Camila Mendes, among others. The Nerdist has suggested Jane the Virgin star Gina Rodriguez. Forbes also suggests Hailee Steinfeld, along with The Witch star Anya Taylor-Joy.

Depending on what age the movie picks for her, these stars could work, but we'd root for a younger actress, like Mendes, who could play up the whip-smart and irreverent parts of her personality.

Didn't I hear something about Whedon not having fun working on Avengers?

Yes, you did. The director has been openly critical of his second outing with the superteam, 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron, and of the studio behind it.

At the Tribeca Film Festival last year, the directed said that Ultron "didn't meet my expectations of myself" and he was "beaten down by the process" of making it. But he still managed to thank DC's big rival Marvel, which he has since cut ties with.

What do other DC creators think?

We don't have any word from the grandaddy of the DC films, Zack Snyder, but Wonder Woman director Patty Jenkins commented on the potential project to The Toronto Sun.

“I don’t even know if that deal is done or not – I don’t have the inside scoop on that,” she said. “But if it is done, then I’m excited about it. ... I think it’s super exciting. The tone of Joss’ work is great for female superheroes. He takes such a fun approach and I think he’ll have fun in the DC universe, which will be excited to have him.”

Comics writer Gail Simone, who wrote the New 52 run of Batgirl, tweeted that she found out about the reported project through "the same news you all saw." She also said she was excited about Whedon's potential involvement. "So, I am excited. The fact that they got him for Batgirl shows a serious commitment. It won't be some bland spin-off. Next, I did read the articles that say it is based somewhat on my run. It's early days, everything could change, but that is COOL."